---

[hr

Cody watched Aron, noting that he seemed nervous, and embarrassed. Why? Cody tried to figure it out, pausing a moment or two. Was it just… him? Cody couldn’t figure out the why of that… Had he been forward, doing what he had? But there was so many scents, that it was confusing… he’d just wanted to be able to smell Aron… although it had been a rather pleasant way of doing it. Cody smiled to himself, quite pleased. And it was nice knowing that he could have that reaction from Aron, just from something so simple. It almost made him want to explore that, but he knew they had other responsibilities first. ”It’s not a weird scent… it’s a delicious scent” He said, still smiling as he watched Aron.

His smile faded somewhat as the conversation turned back to Zoe and the man. He shook his head, ”I don’t think so… there didn’t seem to be that kind of intimacy there… “ his voice trailed off as he thought about it for a moment, studying Aron. He thought about all he felt… What he seen of couples, and he knew that there was alway a warmth… a closeness, that you could always tell who were couples… ”I think… maybe family? It seemed like a pretty intense scene... “ Cody said, but it wasn’t like he had stopped to study the scene. Maybe if he had, he could have been more observant.

He paused a moment, thinking on what they could do. The hospital was an inevitable- they were heading there no matter what, he knew. Gage was there, as was Syleste, and Sebastian. They needed to check on them… Cody wasn’t just going to let his friends sit in a hospital room, he wanted to try and make things a bit better… ”We could stop by my house, get my laptop, it’s loaded with movies, it would be good for Sebastian and Gage, at least… and Syleste likes music, it’s got music on it too… give them a bit more to do, rather then just sit in the hospital room” He said, his thinking a little different to what he said, still watching Aron, even with his back turned to him.

He shifted, and walked over to Aron, hugging him from behind, wanting to comfort and reassure him. ”Aron… “ He started softly, leaning against him slightly, ”you’re simply amazing” He smiled, and kissed Aron on the cheek, before reaching around him, and taking one of the bags. ”Come on, we gotta be responsible first”

@Caits

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Aeon nodded as cody spoke. "I guess that makes sense. Wonder what type of family" He was trying really hard not to focus on cody. Which was extremely difficult considering ever fiber wanted him to and he did not really want to go down there and face whatever that was. What if that guy was a terrible person? What if him walking through made it worse? What if....his brain trailed off as cody paused before changing subjects.

Aron nodded again, his eyes still focusing on anything else with his back still turned. At least the blush was dying down. "Yeah...I know gage would love that. But I have a feeling he needs something for sleeping. He is really not doing well." He snagged a pillow and stuck it into one of the bags. He knew his brother better then anyone and he knew gage was putting his mind and body through hell just to try to make things even slightly better for everyone else. In this case, that meant not sleeping. Probably also not eating.

Aron could feel cody walk up behind him. Could feel that pause in his heart beat before it continued. He froze in the hug before relaxing into the touch. He felt a soft blush returning to his ears as cody said his name and leaned against him. The kids on the cheek certainly did not help anything. However, cody grabbing one of the bags managed to snap him out of it. "Yeah I guess we do" It was a bit of a teasing tone. He walked toward the door and then froze holding the doorknob.

"....Just walking though right?" Aron's statement sounded more to himself then to cody. His jaw working as he seemed frozen there. It was very clear that he was terrified of going down there...of finding out that the guy was someone bad. His mind warring against any comforting thoughts he had. "Zoe....Zoe wouldn't let anyone in here if they were bad....right?" He managed to turn the doorknob and open the door a crack. He looked like he was ready to bolt. A stark difference from the blushing melted self he had been just moments ago.

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Cody didn’t really know where the confidence came, with his behaviour towards Aron… he just couldn’t help it. Aron brought it out in him, and Cody smiled, watching him. All Cody wanted to do was soothe and care for Aron, ”He’ll sleep eventually” he said, concerned as well, but they couldn’t force Gage to sleep… hopefully he’d figure out he needed to look after himself, soon. ”you can’t force him to, but… we’ll see what we can do” he promised Aron.

He smiled at Aron, knowing that they really did have to be responsible, even if it was more fun to think on… other things. He watched Aron move to the door, hesitating. Aron seemed reluctant to go through the door, and Cody went to his side, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze, nodding. ”Just walking through” he said softly, then nodded, ”She wouldn’t let anything harm you, Aron… she seems a protective sort” he said, trying to be reassuring, wondering if there was something else they could do… some other way of getting out?

He glanced about the room, trying to think if there had been another way out when they had come in, but he’d been concerned with getting them both out of the awkward situation with Zoè and her guest. He gently tugged Aron back from the door, giving him a bright smile. ”it’s going to be okay, Aron… and if you are really worried, we could go out the window” he said, his tone more than serious.

He do anything for Aron, and if going out the window was better than going out via the stairs, than that’s what he’d do. He didn’t want Aron to be terrified. ”i won’t let anything hurt you” he promised once more.

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Her gaze lingering upon the door in which both Magnus and the witch had left, Seraphina stayed crouched in the silence, allowing it to consume her for a moment or two before she closed her eyes, her heart racing within her chest, the witches’ accusatory words repeating over and over within her mind… taunting her angrily as though she had been the one to do something wrong.

Startled back to the present as she felt something wet brushing lightly against her jawline, she opened her eyes once more, blinking a couple of times in surprise before she let her gaze fall to the beautiful canine she had been comforting- the roles now reversed as the animal did all it could to calm her… knowing something was wrong, though not seeming to care what it was as long as she was smiling again. Unable to help but to smile even just the smallest of amounts, she lifted her head, her touch soft… loving as she ran a hand gently over the top of his head, lightly scratching behind his ear in thanks.

This was why she loved animals as much as she did… they were kind; caring, unlike their human and supernatural counterparts.

Closing her eyes lightly, she leant in, her lips pressing lightly against the canine’s forehead before she pulled back from him, allowing him to wander about freely for a bit as she stood up straight, her white lab coat billowing slightly behind her as she hurried off in the same direction as the men had gone, her hand lifting up to push against the door as she drew closer to it, her beautiful blue eyes coming to a rest upon the familiar car, though she refused to step any further than the threshold.

He was still here… he hadn’t left yet.

Her soft pink lips once more parting slightly as she caught his eye, she shifted lightly in place, her body filling with anxiousness as she stood hesitant within the doorway. Would he come back inside..? The car wasn’t on; and while that gave her a flicker of hope that they might be able to resolve the problem arisen, his hands were held tightly upon the steering wheel. So, maybe this was it… maybe he really was going to prove her right by driving off and never looking back.

Holding his gaze for a moment longer, she tore her eyes away, her hand slipping from the door as she turned on her heel, her hands both coming together in front of her stomach as she disappeared back inside the building, leaving the door stood open in a clear invitation as she made her way back through to the holding room; though whether or not he chose to take it was up to him… she couldn’t make him do anything he didn’t wish to.

---

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“It won’t give me the damned can..!”

She was getting angrier; that much was clear, but if she changed in the middle of the hall, they were all going to be screwed. Lifting his hand up, palm out, in a show to let her know he wasn’t planning on harming her, Hunter took a single step forward… then another… and then another; each step slow as he closed the gap between them both just slightly, his nose working to pick up and sort through the different scents in the air until he found the one that belonged to her.

It smelt… new. Strong. The girl was only a pup. Freshly turned; and if that was the case, he was sure she hadn’t had very much, if any time to learn any form of control over her new animalistic nature. This was something that could get real dangerous, real fast should it be allowed to go any further than it already had… He had spent more than enough time dealing with newborns to know just what they were capable of.

“..vending machines are cunts. It’s kinda what they do…” A small smile playing over his lips at his attempt to lighten the mood, he lowered his hand slightly, watching as the girl calmed down enough to turn around to face him- well it was a start… things could, hopefully, only get better from here on out.

“Miri? Are you okay?”

“..your friend will be fine; she just needs to ca-...” He had to do a double take; his lips parting slightly from one another as he turned, his attention falling completely on the young woman that stood behind him, concern for her friend written all over her features. Swallowing the lump that seemed to have formed in his throat, he blinked a couple of times, as though wanting to make sure that she was real… that she wasn’t going to be disappearing if he so much as looked away for too long.

Turning slowly so that he was instead facing her rather than the pup intent on destroying the vending machine, Hunter stepped towards her, his eyes never once leaving hers as he closed the gap between them, his touch light as he lifted his hand, gently running the back of his fingers over her cheek.

“..damn, you’re beautiful…”

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Connor couldn't think of anything more perfect than being where he was right then, with Kaylee in his arms. He didn't much care for anything else, as far as he was concerned, everything he wanted in the world was right there. Even the thought to make a move, to check on... on their pack, to find something that was theirs and make a home together, wasn't enough to make him move. Even the thought of the long cold pancakes (something Connor might have given the world for, even three days ago), wasn’t enough to stir him into movement. Last nights events… and the last two months might not be something that he could understand, and maybe that was okay, maybe he didn’t need to understand it to accept it.

The knock on the door breaking the warm, comfortable silence had Connor looking towards the sound, his grip tightening slightly on Kaylee, he listened, even as the logical part of his mind told him that a bad guy wouldn’t just knock. Or rather, he reasoned with himself, he doubted the werewolf from last night would. Still, Connor wasn’t willing to take any chances, so he listened, and when he was satisfied that the door wasn’t about to be blown off its hinges, he looked to Kaylee, sure that neither of them knew anyone in town, aside from those in the attack.

”Shall we answer it?”

“..it’s tempting… but so it staying here…” Her attention remaining locked on him even as the sound of the knocking of the door floated down the hall, Kaylee lifted her hand up, gently caressing the side of his face as she tried to push all sense of responsibility away and to the side. She didn’t want to get up- she was happy right where she was. Sitting on his lap, his arms wrapped tightly around her; it was as though she had died, and somehow slipped into her own little piece of heaven.

As a second round of knocking filled the air, she closed her eyes, a defeated sigh falling out through her lips- whoever it was; they weren’t giving her a choice anymore. Reluctantly pulling herself away from Connor’s ever loving embrace, she shot him a glance… one last, longing look before she stood up, her hand slowly falling from his cheek as she made her way out of the kitchen and into the hall, her footsteps barely making a sound as she made her way down the rather new, however familiar path towards the front door.

“..coming..!”

Slowing to a stop once she had reached her destination, she hesitated, her gaze lingering upon the handle for a few moments before finally, she reached a hand out to take ahold of it, her brows both raising in genuine surprise as she opened the door, taking in the man standing on the other side, “..o-oh..! It’s you… uhm… yeah, I mean, come on in…”

Rising, Connor followed Kaylee, more than ready to intervene if he had to, although he wasn’t too sure how much use he would be, it wasn’t like he had had any training in fighting. Or like he knew how to change into a wolf. Still, he would do what he could, because nothing was going to hurt Kaylee as long as he was around. As he reached the door however, it proved to be something he wouldn’t have to do in this case, the open door revealing Quinton, who smiled wearily at them both.

Quinton watched to two, aware that it had taken more than long enough to answer the door, but he didn’t mind. It had been a rough time, for all of them, after all. ”Thank you, Kaylee” He said softly, ”I wanted to check up on you both, and make sure you’re okay” He said as he stepped inside, looking over them both, satisfied that they had indeed fully healed. ”I know it was a rough night, last night, and I can understand if my name escapes you. I’m Quinton”

Quinton glanced about, recognizing the newly lived in atmosphere, as both the house and the occupants grew used to the unfamiliar environment, before looking to Kaylee and Connor, ”You’ve only just moved in, right? It’s a nice place”

Waiting until he was clear of the door, Kaylee closed it behind him, a small smile playing over her lips as she nodded in response, her gaze flicking back to meet with Connor’s for only a moment before she spoke, “..yeah. We flew in a few days ago; but mum and dad bought the place, and fixed it up a couple of months back when they first found out that he was being transferred.”

Carefully slipping past Quinton as she made her back to Connor’s side, she reached a hand out to take a hold of his, giving it a gentle squeeze to let him know that she was alright; and really, she was. This sort of thing, at least for her… for her family, was the norm- people of the pack dropping in every now and then out of the blue, or whenever they felt like it; mostly unannounced for one thing or another…

They were a family; in all senses of the word and more… there was no getting away from that, even if you wanted to.

“Here; come on through to the kitchen… did you want a coffee..? Tea..?” Motioning down the hall that they had come from, Kaylee shifted her hand in Connor’s, entwining her fingers with his as she began to lead the way through to where they had been sat down talking and enjoying their (now cold) breakfast, “..oh, I’ve been told I make a wicked hot chocolate…”

Quinton moved aside to allow Kaylee to shut the door, watching them both, but both seemed to be in good spirits. There wasn’t much to worry about here, it seemed, but he had still needed to check. He turned his attention back to the conversation, mulling Kaylee’s words for a moment or two, wondering. He still had no idea why he’d stopped at Klamath Falls, after finally figuring they were safe. There were other cities around here, but he’d chosen to stay here. How many other supernaturals had been drawn to Klamath Falls, for it hardly seemed a coincidence that Kaylee’s family were here, so close to the attack.

That was something for another time, however.

”Well, it certainly looks like it’s been well cared for, it’s a good home” he said, moving to follow after the teenagers when Kaylee led the way. ”What does your father do, to be transferred here?” he asked, ”Tea would be fine, thank you” he said, knowing he’d much prefer coffee, but it wouldn’t do him any good at the moment, and hot chocolate just seemed too sweet right then.

Nodding her head lightly in response to his answer, she let her hand slip out from Connor’s, moving about the kitchen in almost silence as she began to make Quinton his tea, “..military… he works out on the airbase…”

Quinton took a seat, ”An honorable career.” he said softly, never truly knowing what to say to things like that, ”I’m sure Klamath Falls will be grateful to have him” he was silent for a moment or two, before saying ”Well, how are you two doing? I remember my first… year or so after being bitten was quite a trying time indeed, granted, I was thirteen, a trying time anyway”

“..fourteen…”

Lifting her head up as she placed the cup of tea down on the bench for Quinton, Kaylee let her gaze flick back and forth between them, knowing that it wasn’t really an answer to the question, and that all she’d done was probably confuse the both of them, “..the age I went through the ceremony to become part of the pack… You’re right; it is hard. Me and the others who were initiated with me were a nightmare for our Beta and Alpha… always in trouble for something…”
Connor was silent for a few moments, before he replied ”Well, I’ve been alone the last few months, after being attacked… I didn’t really notice anything… well, I contributed it to grief, more than anything.. Now I know different, but… It doesn’t feel bad, just… strange”

Quinton gave a nod of thanks for the tea, ”Ceremony?” he asked, having not really been aware that there was such a thing. As far as he knew, there were two ways of becoming a were creature- bitten or born. He looked to Connor, and nodded as well.. ”Well, I imagine we all experience it in different ways, and… well, you have something that helps you hold on, now”

“..it’s, uh… it’s how we do things back in Australia…” Moving back around to the other side of the bench, Kaylee once more made her way over to Connor, her arm slipping around his back as she lifted her other up, her hand resting softly against his chest as she went on with her explanation.

“..there hasn’t been an attack back home in years… packs get new members by offering out an invitation when a child affiliated with the pack turns fourteen. The kid makes their own choice.” Pausing a moment, she glanced between the both of them again, her soft pink lips parted ever so slightly before she continued, “..if they say no, the invitation is left open should they change their mind… but if they say yes; the pack holds a ceremony for them. It’s where we get the bite…”

Quinton listened, rather intrigued, finding the explanation rather enlightening, It certainly seemed like a rather… civilised tradition. He doubted it would ever work here, America was a rather… well, America liked barbic notions. ”It sounds rather interesting. Are no weres born than, for dingos?” he asked curiously.

Connor shifted, sliding his arm around Kaylee, and looking to her with a smile, listening to her speech with interest. He wondered what being prepared for such a thing would change how being what they were was.

“..there are; yes. My alpha was born into the pack, and so were a few others I used to run with…” Smiling softly at the thought of her old friends, Kaylee seemed to grow distracted by her own mind until Connor’s gentle touch pulled her back around, forcing her to once more focus on the present, her cheeks turning a gentle shade of red before she leant in against him further than she already had been, her head tilting to rest lightly over his shoulder.

“Well, it sounds like a rather unique way of going about being what we are.” Quinton said, taking a sip of his tea thoughtful for a moment or two. His mind went back to the pervious night, before saying ”How does your family feel about joining a new pack?”

“It-... it’s just me…”

Shifting slightly against Connor, she frowned slightly, her brows furrowing together at the thought of her family; or more specifically, the thought of her brother. He was the one that she was going to have to deal with at the end of the day; her parents were fine with whatever she chose, as long as it made her happy, “..my brother; Hunter… he’s not happy with me joining a new pack- he’s still very loyal to our original pack, and thinks that I should keep my allegiance with them… but other than that; well, our parents are both human. They support me with whatever I choose…”

“Well, the trouble with that line of thinking is that your original pack isn’t here. And Klamath Falls is filled with a rather large supernatural population. The lone wolf struggles, and I imagine it is the same with Dingos. Besides” Quinton said, looking at them both, ”You've imprinted. Your original pack will understand… And it’s not like you’ll never see them again. Planes make travel rather fast these days.”

Connor sighed softly, tightening his grip on Kaylee when she shifted against him, ”not that mere words can describe the feeling… there’s not much that i can truly understand about this, but that… that I can… there’s no explaining it… And I’m sure Hunter will come around eventually… “ Although Connor wasn’t sure about that… older siblings were not something he’d ever had to deal with, and certainly not in this context… but he wouldn’t run away from this… he’d never leave Kaylee.

Turning her head slightly as she felt his grip tightening around her, she nodded lightly into his neck, her soft lips parting slightly as she allowed their words to give her even the smallest shred of hope that her brother might one day accept what was going on with her; though she knew better than to hedge her bets on it being any time soon.

“..yeah… you’re right…”

Quinton watched them, unable to help but feel like he was intruding, both seemed too polite to tell him if he was. Still, he'd done what he'd come to do, and ensured that they were alright, ”The concept of a pack is… a difficult one, there are times where I don’t think i even understand it. In anycase, what has happened has happened, and your brother will soon see that he can’t change that.” Quinton said, sipping at his tea. ”You have quite a bit to be getting on with in any case. Which reminds me, do you have transport? Your truck is still at the camp grounds, isn’t it?”

Connor gave a nod, ”Yes, I wasn’t really able to drive it, with the paws” He said in a little bit of a sheepish manner.

”Well, if you need to go anywhere, I’m happy to take you. I was going to go check on your injured friends at the hospital next”

Connor hesitated a moment, thinking that the right thing to do would be to see that Kaylee’s friends were okay, but… ”Maybe we could go later, no doubt they could both use more rest” he said, knowing that the hospital would be full of people, and all the things that went on in a hospital. ”And I do need to think about getting… well, everything, clothes and things” He said, realising how little he actually had, even with what was in his truck. ”Unless you want to go to the hospital?” He asked kaylee.

Shaking her head lightly from side to side, Kaylee once more let her gaze meet with his as she gave her answer- the night before had been a big one for all of them; but with two of the group showing no signs that they were going to be healing like a wolf…

“..a lot went on… and I don’t really wanna overwhelm them; besides… I’m sure they’d rather see someone like Cassie before they saw me…” Pausing a moment as she realized how that may have sounded, she turned her head, her eyes flashing with slight concern as she met the gaze of their Beta, “..I just mean; I only met majority of them yesterday. I’m still sort of an outsider to the group, so I’m sure they just wanna be with people they know well for a while… but, if it’s alright with you Connor; could we visit with them later..?”

”Sure we can, give them more time to rest” Connor said, ”I’m sure they'll be thankful you want to visit them”

Quinton gave a nod, finishing off his tea, ”That's okay, it's a lot to get use to for all of you. In the meantime, here’s my number, if you need anything” he said, taking out a card, one of many that he never seemed to give out despite numerous parent teacher nights, ”Well, I should head off then, but do call if anything is wrong” he said, putting the cup down, so it wouldn't fall, he gave them a smile, ”I remember where the door is, so please don't feel like you have to show me out” he said, saying goodbye, before heading out the way they'd come in, making sure the door was shut behind him, before heading to his car.

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Leo sighed gently and leaned against the back of his chair, looking Magnus up and down. The Druid's entire body was coiled up, ready to spring at any moment. Magnus' fingers dug into his palm around the wheel, further revealing his anxiety. His attempt to close the conversation was pretty clear that he didn't want to talk about it, but he clearly needed encouragement. Additionally, this was Leo's first opportunity to see past the dickish exterior shell he constantly maintained, and he wasn't gonna let it slip by.

"Hey." The Warlock gently rested his hand on the other man's wrist, coaxing him to meet his own eyes. "We're gonna protect them. The pack is around fifteen strong, and they've not only got Werewolves, but other kinds of supernaturals, a Druid, a Coven, and an Angel to protect them. Nothing short of an army of Demons is gonna be able to get past our defenses."

A flash of movement in the corner of the Warlock's eye drew his attention, revealing the presence of the female Angel in the doorway. She quickly turned and returned to the safety of the building, however the door remained open. Leo frowned, but he quickly returned his gaze to Magnus' dark eyes. "We can stop by their houses and set up wards tomorrow, if you want."

Leo smiled warmly and gently squeezed the Druid's wrist with his own hand. Magnus had always seemed slightly paralyzed by Leo's previous attempts to initiate physical contact, and he hoped his touch was more comforting than alarming.

The stiffness in Magnus' entire body when Leo had healed his eye the night before flashed through his mind, bringing a slight smirk to his features as he remembered just how uncomfortable the immortal had been. It was always nice to throw Magnus off balance every now and again. But right now he needed stability.

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Sebastian quietly watched Cassie go, grateful that she had taken the time to listen to and encourage him. With his emotions once again under control, Sebastian was able to observe those around him.

For a moment, he quietly watched Xerxes work with Syleste, checking her injuries and performing a variety of actions that seemed to be without purpose, but Sebastian was sure they had some sort of medical value.

The realization that he would be able to talk to Syleste about their shared heritage finally sank in for the first time, and a wave of excitement rushed over him. He hadn't felt this way since he had first realized that she was a Siren as well; years ago, the knowledge had come to him after he heard her sing for the first time. While she hadn't been actively using any of her abilities, it was clear to him that she was supernatural. All Sirens possess a certain quality that a highly trained ear can discern, and at first, Sebastian hadn't been able to recognize it. Her voice simply sounded familiar, until he finally placed the recognition: His mother.

The two females had shared the same vocal quality that he had been yearning to hear once again for so long. Unfortunately, disappointment soon followed as he slowly realized that Syleste had no idea of her true heritage. A smile crept across his face as he considered how he would be able to teach her all of the vast abilities their species possessed. It was going to be a shit ton of fun.

A small grunt drew his attention to the left where Gage had collapsed into a chair. His eyes flicked rapidly under his eyelids, and his eyebrows furrowed. Sebastian had endured and witnessed too many nightmares between himself and his father to not recognize it. The boy's body was tense and his fingers twitched every now and again, alerting Sebastian to the distress. Gage had to be dreaming about the attack. Either that, or Syleste. Whichever one, it pained Sebastian to see his friend in anguish.

The Siren cast a quick glance over at Xerxes before taking a deep breath, gently singing the notes to a song as his voice took on a serene, inhuman quality. Sebastian usually didn't use his voice except for emergencies, however he had sung his father into a peaceful sleep more times than the man knew.

"There was a time when I was alone,
Nowhere to go and no place to call home.
My only friend was the man in the moon,
And even sometimes he would go away, too.

Then one night, as I closed my eyes,
I saw a shadow flying high.
He came to me with the sweetest smile,
Told me he wanted to talk for awhile.

He said, "Peter Pan, that's what they call me,
I promise that you'll never be lonely," and ever since that day,
I am a Lost Boy from Neverland,
Usually hanging out with Peter Pan...

And when we're bored we play in the woods,
Always on the run from Captain Hook.
'Run, run, lost boy,' they say to me,
Away from all of reality.

Neverland is home to lost boys like me,
And lost boys like me are free.
Neverland is home to lost boys like me,
And lost boys like me are free."

@Vicier@December@Caits@YoshiSkittlez

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Aron kept his hand on the door, still conflicted as Cody walked to him. He turned his head to look at his boyfriend and felt some reassurance from him. He knew it was a silly worry fest he was having. That no one out there would hurt him. That Cody was there for him. But, he still had that doubt, that fear creeping around his mind like an unwelcome burglar of his own confidence. His eyes went back to the doorknob and part of him wondered why he couldn't just stride on through.

Aron blinked as cody tugged him away from the door. He felt his cheek flex as he listened to Cody's proposal. He was given an easier way out. A way out that did not involve any random stranger....nor did it involve rushing past zoe. His cheek flexed again. "I am worried about it...But you're right." His eyes met Cody's and he gave a smile. "I should at least let Zoe know where I'm going." That and he didn't want to hurt zoe by leaping out the window.

Aron smiled brighter and gave Cody a quick hug. "I know you won't...So...lets do this." He walked back to the door and faced down the doorknob for a moment, determination sweeping through his features. He was scared...but he could do this. He firmly grabbed the knob and opened the door before heading down the stairs.

Aron let his gaze focus solely on Zoe, his eyes not even glancing at the guy. "Hey...so...were going to head back out. Hit Cody's house for his laptop then head to the hospital. Ill let you know when we get to the hospital" The whole statement almost sounded like something a kid would tell their parent...a clear sign that he was accepting of zoe already. He gave a bright smile and made his way out the front door before he felt himself get jittery. His nerves were shot.

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Magnus turned his head toward leo as he spoke. The hand on his wrist was both relaxing and absolutely terrifying to him. His eyes flicking toward the hand before refocusing on Leo's face. He was at the moment, vulnerable. A state that he did not really enjoy being in just yet and somehow...he was slightly okay with it...because it was Leo.

"Or some sneaky incredibly awful hunters who decide death is necessary." The sarcasm came peeking back. Though, by the way he was still death gripping the wheel, it was clear Magnus was still pretty vulnerable. The worry in his eyes was still very much present. With the last of leo words, Magnus gave a nod. "I would very much like to do that Leo" His voice was softer with that.

A movement caught Magnus' attention and he found himself caught in the gaze of seraphina. She seemed just as anxious as he was at the moment, his eyes baring it all to her. He watched her leave and found his mind racing. What choice was he to make? He already knew the answer as to which he would choose, but was it the right one for her?

Magnus was still reeling when he felt a squeeze that snapped him away from inside his mind and back into reality. This time, with all his defenses down...the touch earned Leo the faintest of blushes before magnus peeled his hands off the wheel. Clearly, if he had longer nails, his palms would have been a bloody mess. He inhaled before running a hand through his hair and glancing back at the door.

"I...need to follow her. I have no idea how long I will be in there" He turned the car on and then opened the door. "Ill leave everything on, but no matter how tempting....resist the urge to take off in this." With those parting words, he got out and closed the door behind him before striding back into the vet office and into the holding room.

Magnus did not say anything...he had no idea what to say, so instead he stood there for a few moments. He inhaled before choosing his words.

"Im sorry"

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Pleased that Gage had left Syleste’s side without much of a fight, Xerxes approached her bed, his hand reaching out to hold the top of her hand and gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

”I’m sorry about the pain, Syleste. But I promise, you’ll start feeling much better fairly soon.” Even though he knew she couldn’t see him, he gave her a fatherly smile before withdrawing his hand to collect the clipboard at the edge of her bed. ”I’m going to give us some privacy, okay?” he explained before pulling the curtain along the rail on the ceiling, shielding them from the others in the room. ”How are you feeling?”

Her head dropping at the sound of the curtain being drawn between them and the others left in the room, Syleste hesitated. She knew that tone… right now, he wasn’t being her doctor… right now, he was being her friend- the man that had helped to look out for her the past two years of her life whenever her mother had started to struggle…

“..I-I’m scared…”

The familiar sting hitting her eyes, she shut them, her brows furrowing together as she curled her shoulders over slightly, her long and wavy pink locks bunching up around her as she seemed to try and make herself as small as she possibly could in the moment. It wasn’t as though she was lying- she couldn’t. Not to him, “..I-I don’t understand what’s going on…”

”I know. It’s a lot to take in…” Doing what he could to keep his voice low and calm, despite the residual angry emotions he held from the incompetent nurse and the druid-warlock duo. Taking a moment, Xerxes sat himself next to Syleste on the bed by her hip, his torso twisting some so that he was facing her, hoping that his close presence was at least somewhat comforting.

”What parts do you understand? Maybe I can help from there.”

“..that something’s different- something’s changed, but I don’t understand what…” Shaking her head lightly from side to side as she spoke, she shut her eyes tighter than before, not seeming to care about who was watching, or to hesitate as she leant herself into his body, seeking out the fatherly comfort he always gave her when she really needed it. It didn’t matter that they weren’t related; whenever she needed him, he was there for her… he was the closest thing she had to a real father aside from the annual letters and presents she got from her actual father on her birthday and on Christmas.

“..we were attacked; I heard the screams. It-... It was so scary… but everyone’s okay, right..? Everyone… except Sebastian and me… I don’t-... I don’t understand…”

It took most of Xerxes’ willpower to not sigh - not at all at Syleste’s expense, but rather that he really just didn’t know how he was going to explain this all to her. By instinct, he lifted his arm to put around her shoulders, keeping her held to him where he knew she felt most comfortable. If she felt any pain from the stitches by the movement, she certainly wasn’t showing it.

“A wolf attacked you and your friends. But Syleste, it was no ordinary wolf. This is a wolf from stories you would call fiction - a wolf with shapeshifting abilities that decided to stir things up in Klamath by preying on a group of teenagers. Syleste… you were attacked by a Werewolf. And a Werewolf’s bite can change a human into becoming one of them. And since Werewolves have incredibly quick healing, everyone but you and Sebastian were completely fine by the time they came to the hospital.”

“..a werewolf..?”

Repeating the words softly, she felt her head start to spin with the information he had just given to her. This-... This couldn’t be right. Werewolves didn’t exist- they were made up creatures found in children’s tales, along with occult and horror movies, “..n-no… no they aren’t-... they aren’t real. You’re lying- why are you lying..?”

”Syleste, I haven’t lied to you once since you’ve come into mine and Cassie’s lives. As hard as this might be to swallow, I promise you that I’m not doing so now. Your friends have been turned - that is why Zoé came and talked to you all last night. She had to let you all know what was happening before things got really bad. My Cassie accepted her as her Alpha, and your friends followed her example. They are a part of a pack now, though none of them really know what that means just yet. They are learning, just as you are. Just as you and Sebastian will be.”

“..but…” Pausing a moment, she furrowed her brows, not truly understanding everything he was saying, though one thing in particular seemed to stick out, lingering in her mind, “..but we didn’t heal like the others…”

”No. You didn’t.” he agreed. ”That is because the bite of a Werewolf can not change someone who is already a supernatural.” He paused, thinking his words over carefully before diving in. ”You and Sebastian are something special - a beautiful species known for their powerful singing voices…” He paused again, this time, able to hear Sebastian humming quietly to himself from the next room. Even a hum, he realized, was enough to start and enchant him. It truly was beautiful, and Xerxes wanted nothing more than to just sit back, relax, and listen, but Syleste’s warm body against his reminded him that he needed to keep going.

”Syleste, you and Sebastian are Sirens. I don’t know how either of you came to be this way, but I myself am pretty sensitive when it comes to being around other supernaturals. I knew from the very moment I met you, though you didn’t seem to know anything and so I left it at that. Like with Cassie, I wanted to protect you from this world - I wanted to keep you safe. It’s my job, see. Because I… I’m an Angel…”

It was overwhelming… and if she hadn’t been confused before, she most certainly was now. Curling herself further into his body, she opened her eyes, her confusion clear over her gentle features as she lifted her head up, allowing her unseeing gaze to move in the direction she could hear his voice coming from, “..like from heaven..?”

Xerxes couldn’t help but to chuckle and felt his heart melting a bit.

”Something like that, yeah. There is a celestial, sacred ground where Angels can fly to - a safe haven for our kind where we can even watch from afar to protect those we care for. I decided to come here to help people in a different way and became a doctor, had Cassie, and adopted you into my life.” He gave her shoulder a light squeeze, slightly hugging her into him for a moment. ”And I promise, Syleste, I will continue to protect you and Cassandra for as long as I shall live. You needn’t be scared of anything. Not while I’m here.”

“..I love you, daddy…”

The words slipping from her lips before they even had time to register in her mind, she closed her eyes, her head dropping slightly as she curled up against his side, her fingers curling lightly as she took a hold of the front of his lab coat, doing all that she could to ignore the pain pulsing through her body at the movement.

Something pulled on his heartstrings - was it surprise? Guilt? Love? The doctor could not identify the emotion that went through him when Syleste referred to him as her father. They had been close since she and Cassandra had become friends, yes, but this was definitely a first.

He lifted his hand to hold the back of her head, fingers brushing against a few strands of her bright, bubblegum pink hair.

”...I love you too, kid. Always will.” He gave himself a moment to bend at his waist enough to kiss the top of her head - much like he would do with his own daughter when she was upset or needed his comfort about something. He remained silent for a few moments, simply letting Syleste get out all of her fears in the simple gesture of their physical contact before he cleared his throat and regretfully pulled himself away from her, albeit slowly.

”Now… let me have a look at those stitches. The sooner you heal up, the quicker you can go back home.”

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Callie smiled at Alexis’s enthusiasm, glancing over to the girl quickly, before turning her gaze back to the road. She was silent for a few moments as she sought to explain things in the best possible way. ”Well, when I say that through magic, we can shapeshift, it’s nothing like what your friends are able to do, now. Potions, spells, things that don’t last, and that we have no control over after taking the potions.

And typically, it’s small creatures. Rodents. Birds. Things like that. Anything else… is crossing a line, and is actually considered demonic. I don’t even have spells for such magic, it mixes earth and ley line magic in a way I would never consider doing, and besides, we don’t have the right enzymes in our blood to activate the magic.” She explained, in a voice that was rather passionate, as she fell into teaching about something that she absolutely loved. Magic was truly amazing in a way that only those that had it could understand.

”Magic is… well, it’s complicated, and it has its own rules, boundaries, guidelines, to keep things balanced. You’ll find that even a shapeshifting potion for a small animal like a bird is immensely complicated, and involves the use of ley lines, to store the excess… energy and matter that makes up our bodies. It’s not something I will teach right away. Your friends, however, don’t need that. They can change, or will be able to, at will, and their mass is simply shaped to their new form, or so we understand” Callie continued to explain, not sure if she was making things better, or worse, yet figured that if Alexis had any questions she’d ask. Not wanting to complicate things, nor go truly in depth to the mechanics of magic right then, Callie moved on to answering Alexis’s questions.

”Yes, he is dangerous. Only the bite of an Alpha can change someone, can turn them, and even then, the bite is considered dangerous. Some people don’t survive it, and others… well, the bite can have interesting effects on people. Sometimes, one takes on the form that reflects your soul, your heart. Sometimes, but it is rare. The fact that this wolf attacked a campsite of innocent teenagers shows how dangerous they are. They don’t care who they hurt, or even if they are found out. Why they have come to Klamath Falls, I’m not too sure, aside from the fact that over the last few years, the Supernatural population here has increased” She said, taking a turn that would take them to where she wanted to go.

”No, werewolves do not do that often. Since… since things have become more civilised, many Alpha’s and senior members of packs contain the younger pups, until they learn control. That is what will happen to your friends, although it will be a challenge I suspect for Zoè, and Quinton on the next full moon…. More than ever, I wish Sombra and James would stay. If only until the pups have control, but… Sombra and Myra have always had a… rocky relationship,” Callie said with a sigh. ”Yes, I suppose you should have an understanding of were creatures, given what has happened. Were creatures- for there are many different types, most still are unknown to many in the supernatural community- are typically faster, stronger, have more endurance, than normal humans. While the moon does call to them, they can resist changing forms on that night, when they have significant control. They also do not need to moon to shift. Many were creatures have a… almost human form, their features changing, sharper teeth, more hair, claws, but they don’t shift into an animal form. Many also have this animal from, which you may have seen in your vision” Callie said, continuing to drive.

”Is there anything in particular you wish to know?”

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Walking into the inn was harder than Myra thought that it would be, to say the least. She reached for the door handle, knowing that Callie didn’t generally lock the inn up, something that even a year ago had baffled Myra, until learning that she was apart of the supernatural world. Which only served to inspire more respect for her, not that Callie even seemed aware of it. She pulled the door open, clicking her fingers to prevent Arlo from running straight into the room, a frightening meow resounding through the entrance way, the result of the tiny ginger kitten now skirting under a cabinet.

Not really important at the moment. Myra waited for something to happen, but it seemed that Callie wasn’t really fussed about letting her in, for she was sure that the woman knew she had been waiting to go in. She glanced about, searching for either Sombra or James. Neither were in sight. She suspected that James had run off somewhere, which was just as well. This was something best done between family.

Myra stepped further into the inn, still looking about, but the inn hadn’t changed that much since the last time Myra had been inside it, not that she expected it to. She listened, but the place seemed to be relatively empty. Recalling where she had seen Sombra in the window, Myra started towards the stairs, making a note as she saw that the place did look a little disheveled, and wondered if there had been some disturbance here, and if she should be worried.

Worry paled in comparison to anger.

She stalked up the stairs, stopping after a moment, and sighing, she went to retrieve Arlo, the puppy having some difficulty with the stairs. One might think that carrying a puppy with anger might diminish said anger, but with Myra, it enhanced it. When she was up the stairs, she set the puppy back down, who began to explore everything nearby, sniffing at doors, almost a little carefully. Perhaps there had been another dog here. Or maybe something else. Likely Zoè. Or someone like her.

Leaving the puppy to his own devices, Myra walked towards the door that belong to the room she suspected Sombra was in. Still no sign of James. She couldn’t believe, even now, that Sombra had anything to do with him. She paused a moment, before continuing down the hall.

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Cassandra wasn’t too sure what was going on, but she was ready to jump to Miranda’s aid, if things weren’t as they seemed. After recent events, Cassandra was inclined to be a little paranoid, even as her nature wanted to believe the good in people, and wanted to believe that this was simply an innocent situation. But she knew she would never put her friends lives in danger by being naive, not anymore. Not after last night. And yet… she doubted even a crazy… crazy werewolf would risk attacking them again in the hospital.

As the man turned towards her, Cassie was pleased to be able to distract him from Miranda, right up until her gaze met his. She wasn’t entirely too sure what happened, then. For a moment, she wasn’t even sure she was there anymore. For all she knew, she could have just… disappeared. It seemed like an eternity, paused in a moment, not sure if she was even breathing, if her heart was even beating, if she could even move.

And than her heart gave one great, rolling beat, before beating fast, catching her breath, as she watched him, gaze flickering to Miranda, but drawn almost instantly back to him, captivated by something she didn’t understand something she didn’t think she could ever understand. She knew something had changed… she didn’t know what. As her heart continued to beat fast, Cassandra was sure it was nearly ready to explode.

Never once looking away as he walked towards her, Cassandra knew that she should perhaps be… afraid, but she wasn’t. Suddenly, he wasn’t a stranger, even though she didn’t know anything about him. She wondered if her own expression mirrored his. As he reached her, reached up to brush her cheek, it was as if time had sped up, going normal again.

“..damn, you’re beautiful…”

Cassie was sure she blushed, for it seemed more than a compliant, more than a statement of fact. It just seemed… more. His voice… she could pinpoint the accent- Kaylee had the same, and maybe that was an important fact, but… Cassie couldn’t seem to think, for the moment, beyond him. Even the thought of Miranda, watching this and probably having no idea what was going on, probably thinking this was more than weird, didn’t distract her.

She took a moment to try and find her voice, not wanting to sound like an imbecile saying “Um” a lot. ”Thanks… “ real bright, she thought, ”... you’re not too bad yourself” She said, a slow smile spreading across her features, even as she felt like she might just… melt into a puddle of gooey feelings any minute now.

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It had been a while since she had received a text message from her mother, Emilia knew that in her absence from the small town, there were things that had gone down and not in a safe way. The message stated that there was an attack the night before her return… unfortunately not much more information was given from the text other than her mother having said there was much to discuss, this alone had made her think something supernatural had happened. Emilia would be quickly figuring out her first day back was going to be anything but a happy return to home to family, but since when was there really a day off in the D’Nile home? Between normal work and life as a hunter, there really was no rest for the wicked.

Speaking of work, that was what Emilia decided to do since getting the message as there was no telling exactly where her mother would be, but knowing her, she would no doubt be investigating the attacks from the night before and for Emilia it would be best to help have things look normal by opening up of their fitness club for the day like many of the other businesses within Klamath Falls, After all Karena would know doubt tell her what is going on and what sort of attack they were dealing with, but being such a small town, it wouldn’t be hard to hear the rumours mixed with what was believed to be known being talked about.

On her way in, Emilia picked up the local paper to see if anything had been printed yet and grab herself a cappuccino on the go before jumping back into her Ford Focus, Emilia sat there for a moment having a few sips of her drink while reading the paper for a few moments, it was not hard for her to spot the obvious part pretty much on the front page that read about a group of teens being attacked with two injured in hospital which got her thinking… Of course, it was around that time of year for the teens annual camping trip into the woods, Cleo often snuck out to them to be with her friends.



With that successfully sent, Emilia placed her phone back in her jacket pocket before tossing the paper over to the passenger seat, placing her seatbelt on and turning to start the engine. Taking another sip of her cappuccino, she put the lid back on and secured before securing it. Using her right hand to brush aside her hair over her ear, she sighed for a moment before pulling off and heading over to the fitness club. She couldn’t shake the thought’s going through her mind, her mother mentioning the attack and needing to talk along with what the local paper had published was certainly a serious matter, but if it was supernatural in nature like she was fearing… well shit most certainly hit fan in more way than one.

After driving for a little while, Emilia pulled up in the small parking lot of the fitness club and began to get her things together, she could see that there were couple of regulars there waiting, after fishing out for her keys, Emilia switch of the engine and out of her car before quickly reaching back in and grabbing the cappuccino she almost forgot before locking it up. Turning on her heel, Emilia smiled at those that were waiting as she made her way over to the entrance of the place, her hair blowing gently in the morning breeze. ” Morning Emilia, running a little late today are we? Didn’t think you were back in town just yet” giving her cappuccino to the young man asking the question so he could hold it for her while she unlocked and opened the door, Emilia gave customary smile before taking it back. ” Morning Jimmy, I just literally got back into town and made it here” The man chuckled slightly. ” You must be eager to work, so where is your mother?”

Emilia paused for a moment while standing at the door. “She is just a little busy this morning is all, catching up on some family buisiness.” after another moment had passed Emilia spoke up once again. “If you just give me a moment to get things sorted, I’ll open up for you guys okay.” Her bright smile never faded until she closed the door, locking it and spinning around with her back turned to them. Taking a deep breath for a moment, Emilia made her way in, turning off the alarm along with turning the lights on a moment later before heading out back. Soon Emilia had gone through everything she needed to get the place ready for the day, her smile returning as she went other and opened the fitness club for some of the regulars to come in, She was fiddling with her cappuccino while her mind still drifting over what could’ve possibly of happened the night before her return and just how bad was it… And if Cleo was okay.

@December

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The nightmares were horrible. They threw Gage from one bad scenario to the next with no mercy. Torturing him with his own subconscious with the only possible end being to wake up. But, his brain was too tired. Too starved of the much needed rest that it simply would not let him escape the grasp of itself. Though, with his current tense state...was the rest he getting really the rest he needed?

Gage struggled to escape the nightmares. His body twitching while in his mind he was running. Running and fighting....but then re experiencing the pain. The pain of the wounds he had suffered and the fear that he was going to die there. Die without ever being able to tell slyeste how he felt...and leaving his brother without him to protect him. His hands clenched and his eyes were racing under his tightly shut eye lids.

Then suddenly, bliss. Gage found himself tossed from the nightmares and into peaceful dreams. His body slowly relaxed. his eyes stopped clenching shut and his face took on an expression of peace as Sebastian sung. If he knew what Sebastian was doing for him...he probably wouldn't directly acknowledge it, but he would greatly appreciate it. His sleep deepened and he found himself remembering his happiest memories as he slept. Luckily, he didn't simply ooze off the chair onto the floor with the deep sleep he was experiencing now.

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The night before… Karena had been home, waiting to hear anything from Cleo, her niece having going camping with her friends. While she hoped things had gone okay, Karena knew that with Cleo, anything was possible. She had been skeptical about letting her go, Cleo was just… accident prone. She seemed to always find the best way of getting into trouble. She’d heard about the attack, and while there hadn’t been many details, if any, released, she knew that the kids had taken to hospital. That, and the suspicious lack of details told Karena that something… more was going on.

In respect to Zoe, Karena hadn’t gone snooping around the camp grounds, not yet. She’d talk with the Alpha later, giving the she-wolf a few hours to deal with whatever had happened… and Karena needed to speak with Cleo. The girl hadn’t, as far as Karena knew, been taken to the hospital. Nor had she seen her, since she’d gone off with her friends. Which was enough to worry Karena, but she was sure if Cleo had been seriously hurt… or killed, that Zoe would have told her.

So it was that Karena had gone to sleep in the early hours of the morning, and woke a little later than normal, weary and worried when Cleo still wasn’t there. Karena sighed heavily, and went to go about her day, showering and dressing, she started towards her gym, knowing she had to at least check in there. So she started her car, and after checking her phone, she started towards the fitness centre, taking the time to think over the recent events.

She hadn’t gotten a response from Emilia either, and she sighed, a little frustrated. Why did neither of her girls feel the need to tell her they were alright? That’s all she asked for, was to be told they were okay. Sighing heavily, she pulled into the fitness centre, seeing Emilia’s car there. So her daughter was in town, and hadn’t come to see her, even after the message she had sent.

Seeing the centre open was just the last straw, for Karena. She’d been up all night worrying about one girl, to only have the other come into town without letting her know she was okay. Karena quite calmly got out her car, and started towards the centre, stalking her daughter. It was quite easy to find Emilia

She glanced about the gym, seeing everything as it should be, before looking to her daughter, her expression blank, waiting for the girl to say something. It would be perfectly clear that Karena wasn’t happy, but beyond that, she was a little disappointed. She’d raised both girls better.

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And there it was.

Her twin brother’s strong and unmistakable tone ringing out through the room, Sombra let her eyes close, a small smirk playing over her beautiful features as she let the curtain slip from between her fingers until finally, she turned where she stood, her arms lifting up to fold over her chest as she once more opened her dark eyes, allowing herself the chance to look upon the man she had left behind a mere five years prior… to take the chance to take in everything that had changed about the man who was as much a part of her as she was of him; after all… they were twins.

“..hola Alex…” Her voice was soft, though clear enough; the strong Spanish accent she had learnt to live quite happily without once more slipping back to the surface so naturally, as though it was nothing more than second nature- ah… the joys of growing up in a household that was, without choice, multilingual.

Shifting slightly so that she was facing him completely, her expression changed, the smirk playing over her lips softening only slightly as amusement danced clearly behind her eyes, her shoulders lifting in a gentle shrug as she oh so clearly began to feign innocence, an obvious tease in her voice as she spoke once more, knowing full well that it was only just going to get her into more trouble than she was already in, “..it’s been much too long, brother- really… you should learn to keep in better contact…”

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While Myra usually responded to her son’s humor, today she didn’t. ”No, she was in the window” Myra said instead, reaching the door, and watching as Alex went on ahead, opening the door, not even knocking. My son, I have taught you well She thought to herself, when all else failed, you just did what was necessary. Myra stood by the door, not entering the room, hesitating.

Best to see how Sombra would respond to Alex. However she responded, it was a fair bet that Sombra would react entirely opposite to her. Glancing to Arlo, who was still sniffing about, seeming following an imaginary scent. Leaving the puppy to his own devices- what was going to happen was certainly not anything he needed to see, that was for sure. She was on the verge of deciding to simply let Alex having a few moments, unhindered by her, with his sister. Alex did deserve that, the way they greeted each other, the accents… it squeezed Myra’s heart, something painful in her chest, that didn’t seem to dissipate.

Her children… They could hate her all she wanted, but seeing them together would always fill her heart. Which was ruined in a handful of words, not even two sentences really, by her daughter.

“..it’s been much too long, brother- really… you should learn to keep in better contact…”

The words were almost like a knife to the heart, as if it was their fault that they hadn’t said a word to her in five years, as if it were them that had left? It sent anger coursing through her once more, and with another glance to Arlo, she stalked into the room. She resisted, by pure strength of will, slapping Sombra like she was a naughty child, although it was a close thing. Her gaze roamed over Sombra quickly, her heart seeming to skip a beat, at the love, and the almost necessary want to embrace her daughter that welled up in her, but she pushed it all aside.

She took in the smirk, the amusement on Sombra’s face, knowing that the girl was enjoying this, just another game.

Myra hadn’t come to play. She come to win.

Her hand snaked out, and she gripped Sombra’s arm tightly, to try and force Sombra to look at her, waiting until she had. “A bit impossible to do, Sombra, when you left us no means of doing so” The words were said in anger, and in a tone that Myra had rarely used with her children. Her siblings, yes, but rarely her children.